PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has issued a range of information and advice for local businesses in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

Cllr David Simpson, Council Leader, said: “We know that many businesses are worried about the future. Please find below guidance and links to current information that you may find useful for your business and continuity. We will ensure that we update you as and when we have further helpful information.”

The following extract is taken from the Business Wales Website.

‘The Welsh Government has announced a package of support worth more than £1.4bn for small businesses to help them during the coronavirus outbreak.

‘Shops, leisure and hospitality businesses with a rateable value of £51,000 or less will receive 100% business rates relief and pubs with a rateable value of between £51,000 and £100,000 will receive a £5,000 reduction on their bill.

‘Expanding on this support a new package providing in 2020/21, retail, leisure and hospitality businesses in Wales with one year business rates relief and a grant of £25,000 for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses with a rateable value of between £12,001 and £51,000.

‘It also provides a £10,000 grant to all businesses eligible for Small Business Rates Relief with a rateable value of £12,000 or less’.

Businesses that qualify for this support will not need to do anything to apply for this scheme. This will be administered through the Business Rates system. You do not need to contact your Local Authority about this, you will receive information in due course.

The Welsh Government is exploring ways of supporting businesses who do not qualify for this scheme. Details of this support will be added to the Business Wales website once confirmed.’

Cllr David Simpson added: “For businesses located in Pembrokeshire that get rate relief please be informed that we will amend your bills shortly and will not be expecting a payment from you. You can therefore disregard any demands that have been sent to you.

“We are also looking into how we can process grants for any businesses that fall outside of this category and hope to be able to inform you on this as soon as possible.

“In the meantime, many banks are offering zero interest overdraft and loan facilities in the knowledge that funding from Government is forthcoming. We suggest therefore that you contact your bank for immediate support.

“We would also like to hear from businesses that have no rateable value in order that we can understand how much support is required. You can contact us on this via email at [email protected] ”

Further advice can also be found on the Business Wales Website: https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice https://businesswales.gov.wales/news-and-blogs/news/emergency-support-businesses-hit-coronavirus

In terms of Department for Work and Pensions support for employers, here is a useful link (via GOV.UK) https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-support-for-employees-benefit-claimants-and-businesses?utm_source=37472ed5-c0b4-4625-8801-549259dc908d&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate

Visit Wales provide some specific advice for tourism businesses regarding the situation. Please view: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKWALES/bulletins/280805d

We should all help protect ourselves and our communities by following Public Health Wales advice https://phw.nhs.wales/coronavirus

We are also starting to see banks such as Lloyds Banking Group offer packages of support. For more information, please view https://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/globalassets/documents/media/press-releases/lloyds-banking-group/2020/covid-19-support-for-businesses.pdf

HMRC has issued a helpline for businesses concerned about being able to pay your tax due to COVID-19. Access this dedicated helpline on 0800 0159 559. HMRC can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19

If you are a business in Pembrokeshire renting one of the Council’s properties and are struggling to pay your rent, please get in touch with the Council’s Property Team by emailing [email protected] or via 01437 775874.

All the information above is also available on the Council’s website at https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/business-advice-and-support